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Figural post

Arts of Africa

Figurative posts often support the verandas of distinguished places such as important shrines or the dwellings of kings, titled elders, and priests. Just as a post supports the house, the carved figures represent the individuals who support and uphold the leader in his office.

CULTURE Yorùbá artist
MEDIUM Wood, pigment
DATES late 19th or early 20th century
DIMENSIONS 64 x 9 1/4 x 6 in. (162.6 x 23.5 x 15.2 cm)  (show scale)
COLLECTIONS Arts of Africa
ACCESSION NUMBER 82.154.1
CREDIT LINE Gift of Allen A. Davis
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Carved wood figurative housepost painted red-brown, and composed of a seated female figure holding a child at the top. She wears a necklace, ear plugs, and a skirt, and is seated on a circular platform. Beneath her is a figure of an equestrian figure, wearing a baldric, armrings and holds the handle of a flywhisk in his left hand. His cap painted blue. The whisk hangs over his left shoulder. He is seated on a saddle. The horse wears a bridle and stirrups. Condition: There is an old break through the neck of the female figure that has been repaired, but area is still weak and must be handled with care. There are eroded portions throughout post and checking from age and wear. Right arm of rider is missing.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Yorùbá artist. Figural post, late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, pigment, 64 x 9 1/4 x 6 in. (162.6 x 23.5 x 15.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Allen A. Davis, 82.154.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 82.154.1_82.154.2_SL1.jpg)
IMAGE group, 82.154.1_82.154.2_SL1.jpg.
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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